Kermit Shaw

1946 ~ 2023

Date of Death: February 21, 2023

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In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Shaw family. Kermit’s earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mr. Kermit William Shaw.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Director

Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain

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Kermit William Shaw was the eldest child given as a blessing from God on Sunday, July 28, 1946 to the late James and Ethel (Johnson) Ard in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was also called by God to take his eternal rest on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from Fort Smith, Arkansas. Kermit was also preceded in death by his brother: James (late Lynn) Ard; his grandparents: Rev. and Mrs. Joseph Johnson; Mr. and Mrs. Chaney Ard; his nieces: Kimberly and Dana Ard, and all of his aunts and uncles.

Kermit was baptized at Union Bethel A.M.E. Church in New Orleans and later became a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. While at Bethel, Kermit was very active with the Sunday School, the Young Peoples Department, and the Cub and Boy Scouts troops, organized at the Church. He attended Orleans Parish Schools: Alfred Lawless, Macarty, James Derham, and G. W. Carver High School, Class of 1966 and supported all reunion activities. As an adult, Kermit was a member of Phillips United Methodist Church, where he became Scout Master. While in New Orleans, he was employed by United Gas Company, New Orleans Tennis Club, and McIllwain Cadillac.

Kermit and his mother moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where his youngest brother, Horace, resided in 2005, as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Although he never joined a church in Fort Smith, he diligently watched a Methodist Church in Oklahoma each Sunday. He then shared the topic and the hymns sung with his sister in their regular telephone conversations. His favorite scripture was Psalm 23 and his favorite hymn was “This Little Light of Mine”. Even though he was gone from home for more than 17 years, he still loved everything New Orleans. He expected to receive all the newspapers information regarding his hometown events, especially Mardi Gras. Ironically, Kermit went home to be with the Lord on Mardi Gras Day 2023, his favorite holiday.

Kermit is lovingly survived by his sister: Patricia (Theodore) Mitchell, brothers: Lionel (late Carol and late Linda), and Horace (Lola) Ard and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His special friends were Alice Minix Davis, Vioretta Robinson, Jack Clay, Calvin Berryhill, the late Harold Robinson and the late Elaine Birdlow.

Walk-through visitation will be Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary 611 North 9th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.

Celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary Chapel North 9th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.

Committal service and final resting place will be at Oak Cemetery Fort Smith, Arkansas.